Ulema’s role key to tackle corruption in Afghanistan

The continued issue of corruption in Afghanistan is not a good sign. It is not only behind bringing bad name to the country but has also made the international community skeptical of supporting the country. Besides that, almost all walks of life have been influenced by the negative impacts of uncontrolled corruption as Afghanistan was listed among the top 10 in the most corrupt countries of the world. This has hampered the development initiatives in different parts of country to a large extent.Since Afghanistan is an Islamic country and the people obey Islamic teachings, the government decided to fight corruption and bring peace through Masjids in Afghanistan. The government has time and again initiated national and international conferences, attended by Islamic countries’ representatives, to seek ways for peace and stability as well as justice in the country.During an anti-corruption conference of Ulema Council in Kabul on Sunday, the religious scholars called for punishing those involved in administrative corruption and immoral acts under the Sharia Law.The conference declaration read income from haram business or corruption was strictly prohibited by Islam and that prayers of a faithful were accepted when he refrained himself from illegal and prohibited income and assets.The Declaration termed corruption and immorality ‘a menace’ and asked the judiciary to punish those practicing corruption and immorality under the Sharia Law.They asked government institutions and authorities concerned to accelerate their anti-corruption efforts and discharge their national and religious duty in this regard.The participants also asked government to support ‘righteous and true voices’ raised from Munbar (a pulpit in the mosque). They also asked print and electronic media to broadcast sermons given from Munbar.Meanwhile addressing the conference, President Ghani said asked Ulema to mobilize nation for fight against corruption. The president said when a minister was held accountable and when a three-star general went to jail, it indeed indicated a good day for Afghans and it was a sign of government’s determination to fight the ugly phenomenon.” Indeed, peace is not possible until there is corruption which dries up the roots of a nation’s base. It is hopedthat sincerity and strong commitment of the government and cooperation of ulema enable the Afghan nation to decisivelyfight corruption.No strategy for fighting corruption in Afghanistan can be successful unless the strong individuals and institutions made accountable for any sort of corruption that they commit. The norm has been that the rich, powerful and influential people easily dodge the justice system, while the poor have to receive the negative consequences. The fight against corruption requires support and determination, particularly, fighting influential and powerful individuals; nevertheless, there is no other option available. President Ghani has already taken steps to fight those corrupt people that harm the country’s economy and sparing no efforts to spread insecurity in the country.Therefore, all Afghans, including Islamic scholars are required to do their bests in fighting the ugly phenomenon and those supporting violence and breaking laws. To counter the menace of corruption in the country, the international community is also required to support government of Afghanistan initiatives for anti-corruption and peace and stability.